Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Departs Paris Following Olympics Disqualification

Departure from Paris Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat left the Paris Olympic Games village on Monday after the closing ceremony wrapped up. She is expected to return to New Delhi on Tuesday. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will announce its decision on her request for a joint silver medal, following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics.

Olympic Performance and Disqualification

A week ago, Vinesh made headlines by defeating the reigning champion and world number one, Yui Susaki, in her opening match. This victory made her the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympics final. However, she was disqualified from competing in the women’s 50kg freestyle final the next day because she was found to be 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in.

Health Issues and Appeal

Vinesh was deeply upset by the disqualification and suffered from dehydration after trying to quickly shed the weight she gained over her matches. She lost consciousness and was admitted to a polyclinic within the Games village. After recovering, she appealed to CAS, seeking a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had been her semifinal opponent but competed in the final due to Vinesh’s disqualification.

Current Condition and CAS Hearing

As of now, Vinesh is feeling somewhat better and has started eating again, though she has not spoken to anyone. Sources have confirmed that while she is in better spirits, she remains quiet.

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Vinesh had stayed in Paris to attend her CAS appeal, which was heard last Friday. Senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania represented her, and the case was reviewed by sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett from Australia during a three-hour hearing.